'We were a church in decline but we are not in decline any more'

On Easter Monday, St John’s Upper Norwood in south London hosted more than 2,000 for a barbecue in its church grounds to celebrate Easter and the Resurrection. Fr John Pritchard, Vicar, (pictured, above) recalls the vast quantity of food that was cooked and consumed  – 2,000 pieces of chicken, 1,000 sausages (with vegetarian options) and hundreds of burgers.

Those attending were responding to an invitation from St John’s ‘Messy Church’ – a non-traditional church gathering, where adults and young people meet once a month for activities and worship in the Catholic tradition of the Church of England.

The Messy Church attracts more than 400 people typically and has led to a growth in baptisms, confirmations and Sunday attendance. More than 300 people for example came to Mass on Palm Sunday, with a donkey in attendance.

The huge uptick in attendance at the church was sparked by outreach work to children and young families that was set up two years ago by Associate Vicar Mthr Rachael Gledhill.

A faith based toddler group (0-5) she runs, meeting every Friday, now has 400 regular attenders for faith based play and worship. The Messy church grew out of this and in turn has inspired ‘Messy meals’ where around 80 people meet weekly to eat and pray, and share in a deeper understanding of each others lives.

National Strategic Development Funding/Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment grants through the Diocese of Southwark have helped support a facilities manager for the church, and a communications specialist and will pay for the appointment of a youth minister.  Next on the list is to develop the music tradition amongst children, young people and their families in the familiar Anglican tradition over the coming years.

Fr John praises the work of more than 40 volunteers and churchwardens who work ‘flat out" to support the church, baking, setting up and welcoming everyone.

“We were a church in decline but we are not in decline any more,” he said.

“People are looking for a community and to feel valued, and the Gospel gives them this.

“At no point do we ever pretend we are not a church – we are always in our dog collars. We follow the liturgical calendar. There is a narrative that suggests the church community is not welcome or relevant in people’s lives but that is not true at all.

“People are looking for, and searching for a place where they can belong - we are all neighbours here."